This week we read the first part of Canticle 9 (Luke 1:46-55); interpreting it in the light of Hannah’s song, David’s joy in the Ark of the Lord (2 Sam/2 Kingdoms 6:9-15) 2 Cor 10:15, and Gen 22:17-18. Her humility and joy are models for us as we learn to “magnify” the Savior.

We read the righteous Zachariah’s canticle of praise and hope from Luke 1:68-79, looking to the Old Testament to shed light on it: Genesis 12:1-3; Genesis 22:16-17; Psalm 18/17:3; 2 Sam/2 Kingdoms 7:1-17; 2 Sam/2 Kingdoms 22:3; Isaiah 9:2 and Malachi 3:1; 4:2-5.

In this final episode of “Light from the Canticles,” we contemplate the Song of Simeon, also known as the Nunc Dimittis (Luke 2:29-32), with help from select fathers, Genesis 26:26-30, 2 Samuel (Kingdoms) 20:41-42, Isaiah 54:10, and Nehemiah 8:3. The elder Simeon’s song of blessing and gratitude becomes ours as we remember the fulfillment of God’s promises, and rejoice in the Incarnate One, who has brought us release from sin and death. Next episode we will start a series on the Psalms sung at Vespers, in the Divine Liturgy, and in our daily readings: “Light from the Psalms.”

Sober joy is the atmosphere of the second group of ascent songs, based on Psalms LXX 122-124 (MT 123-125). While aware of human need, we also meditate upon the security found among the people of God, and the presence of the Holy Spirit to sanctify us and the whole world, helped in our thinking by Ephesians 6:10-17, 2 Peter 3:9 and Romans 8:26-27.

The Queen and the Cats: A Story of Saint Helena by Calee M. Lee, illustrated by Turbo Qualls (Xist Publishing, 2011)

Capers and Harry by Mother Melania, illustrated by Cayce Grace Kruse. Available from Holy Assumption Monastery 1519 Washington St., Calistoga, CA 94515. Email at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)/**/ Tel: 707-942-6244

"Saint Lawrence" and "Saint Catherine" from Saints: Lives and Illuminations, written and illustrated by Ruth Sanderson, read with permission by Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2007.

"Saint Monica," "Saint Augustine," and "Saint Patrick" from Saints: Lives and Illuminations, written and illustrated by Ruth Sanderson, read with permission by Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2007.

"Saint Mary of Egypt," "Saint Scholastica," and "Saint Benedict" from Saints: Lives and Illuminations, written and illustrated by Ruth Sanderson, read with permission by Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2007.

"The Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican" from The Parables of Christ by Spiritual Fragrance Publishing (2012)

"The Wedding at Cana," from Feasts of Christ and the Theotokos and Miracles of the Lord by Spiritual Fragrance Publishing (2012)

"The Calming of the Storm," from Feasts of Christ and the Theotokos and Miracles of the Lord by Spiritual Fragrance Publishing (2012)

Catherine’s Pascha: A Celebration of Easter in the Orthodox Church by Charlotte Riggle, illustrated by R.J. Hughes (Phoenix Flair Press, 2015)

In the Candle’s Glow, by Elizabeth Crispina Johnson, illustrated by Amandine Wanert (Ancient Faith Publishing, 2017)

The Suitcase: A Story About Giving by Jane G. Meyer, illustrated by Chiara Pasqualotto (Paraclete Press, 2017) Available at Paraclete Press.

"Saint Catherine of Alexandria," from Royal Saints: A coloring book with stories of saintly royalty throughout the history of Christianity (Draw Near Designs). Saints drawn by Marian Adams. Stories & Borders by Abigail Holt. Layout by Caroline Gann.

1. In her inaugural broadcast, Chrissi reads her own composition for younger children - Under the Grapevine: A Miracle by St. Kendeas of Cyprus (Conciliar Press 2006) and for the older children part 1 of The Boy, a Kitchen, and His Cave by Catherine K. Contopoulos (St. Vladimir's Seminary Press 2002).

2. Chrissi reads The Man and the Vine by Jane G. Meyer (St. Vladimir's Seminary Press), The Monk Who Grew Prayer by Claire Brandenburg (Conciliar Press), and the conclusion of The Boy, a Kitchen, and His Cave by Catherine Contopoulos (St. Vladimir's Seminary Press).

9. How the Monastery Came to Be on the Top of the Mountain by Alvin Alexsi Currier (Conciliar Press, 1999). Book 2: Basil's Search for Miracles part 7 (chapters 14-16 ) by Heather Zydek (Conciliar Press, 2007).

62. Book 1: "Cain and Abel" from The Bible for Young People by Zoe Kanavas translated by Rev. Spencer T. Kezios (Narthex Press, 2005) (8.52 mins) Book 2: Ella's Story: The Duchess Who Became a Saint by Maria Tobias, Chapter 8 (Conciliar Press, 2004) (begins at 9:38, duration 17.41 mins)

80. Book 1: "The Temptations of Jesus and His Return to Galilee" from The Bible for Young People by Zoe Kanavas (Narthex Press, 2005) (6.01 mins) Book 2: "Saint Theodora," "Saint Demetrios," and "Saint Catherine" from Studying Byzantine Icons by Marisa Decastro (Akritas Young Readers, 1995) (13.42 mins)

"The Wedding in Cana" from The Bible for Young People by Zoe Kanavas (Narthex Press, 2005)

N18. Prince Caspian, from The Chronicles of Narnia by CS Lewis, Chapter 10 The Chronicles of Narnia are published by Harper Trophy, A Division of Harper Collins, New York, New York. They are available for purchase here. We want to thank CS Lewis Pte. Ltd. for granting us permission to bring these wonderful stories to you. (Legal info).

N19. Prince Caspian, from The Chronicles of Narnia by CS Lewis, Chapter 11 The Chronicles of Narnia are published by Harper Trophy, A Division of Harper Collins, New York, New York. They are available for purchase here. We want to thank CS Lewis Pte. Ltd. for granting us permission to bring these wonderful stories to you. (Legal info).

N20. Prince Caspian, from The Chronicles of Narnia by CS Lewis, Chapter 12 The Chronicles of Narnia are published by Harper Trophy, A Division of Harper Collins, New York, New York. They are available for purchase here. We want to thank CS Lewis Pte. Ltd. for granting us permission to bring these wonderful stories to you. (Legal info).

N21. Prince Caspian, from The Chronicles of Narnia by CS Lewis, Chapter 13 The Chronicles of Narnia are published by Harper Trophy, A Division of Harper Collins, New York, New York. They are available for purchase here. We want to thank CS Lewis Pte. Ltd. for granting us permission to bring these wonderful stories to you. (Legal info).

N22. Prince Caspian, from The Chronicles of Narnia by CS Lewis, Chapter 14 The Chronicles of Narnia are published by Harper Trophy, A Division of Harper Collins, New York, New York. They are available for purchase here. We want to thank CS Lewis Pte. Ltd. for granting us permission to bring these wonderful stories to you. (Legal info).

N23. Prince Caspian, from The Chronicles of Narnia by CS Lewis, Chapter 15 (conclusion) The Chronicles of Narnia are published by Harper Trophy, A Division of Harper Collins, New York, New York. They are available for purchase here. We want to thank CS Lewis Pte. Ltd. for granting us permission to bring these wonderful stories to you. (Legal info).

151. The Boy, a Kitchen, and His Cave by Catherine K. Contopoulos, part one (St. Vladimir's Seminary Press, 2002).

152. The Boy, a Kitchen, and His Cave by Catherine K. Contopoulos, part two/conclusion (St. Vladimir's Seminary Press, 2002).

Fr. Ted reminds us that partaking of the Eucharist is the true climax of Pascha.

As the new Sunday school year begins, Fr. Ted reminds parents that we are our children's primary teachers.

Fr. Ted applauds his parishioners for making Orthodoxy a part of their lives.

Fr. Ted reminds us that icons affirm that God really did come in the flesh.

Fr. Ted reminds us that we need to accept God and others and they truly are, not who we expect them to be.

Fr. Ted begins a new series on applying the Orthodox faith to the everyday situations in which we find ourselves.

Fr. Ted laments the fact that the traditions of the Church are not passed down to the next generation with enough frequency.

Fr. Ted addresses the concept of remembrance.

Fr. Ted enumerates the teaching of the Church when it comes to the blessing of the waters on Theophany.

Fr. Ted explains that finding your calling is a process of discovering who you truly are—who God made you to be.

Fr. Ted reminds us that we cannot be true Christians if we do not forgive.

Fr. Ted reminds us that our first call is to be truly Christian.

Christmas is important because God became man.

This is a recording of a presentation Fr. Ted gave at the annual clergy retreat.

Fr. Ted asks, "What happens when are neither the Publican or the Pharisee?" The Triodion calls us back to the roots of our faith to engage fully in the life of Christ's Church.

The calling of the Christian is to look to others before himself.

Fr. Ted gave a presentation at the Romanian Orthodox Youth Assoc. (ROYA) North American Conference held in Beaverton, Ontario, Canada from October 5-7, 2017. In his talk, Fr. Ted explores the current political landscape and how it affects Orthodox youth who attend secular schools where Christianity is subtly oppressed by often ultra-liberal agendas.

Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos reminds us of Jesus' call to take up our cross and follow Him.

Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos explains the significance of the spiritual calendar and the beginning of the Ecclesiastical New Year.

Fr. Theodore Paraskevopoulos preaches on Jesus calling the disciples to follow him.